“In compiling the material for his latest book Stewart McFarlane has used parables and stories from a variety of sources to illustrate the fundamental features of Buddhism and its ancient, venerated Masters, to an extent that is consistent with his very high standard of knowledge and teaching of the subject”

He even includes a story by a Christian writer, Tolstoy, thus emphasising the universal relevance of the wisdom of the masters, whatever its source.

He demonstrates the usual expertise and skills of teaching students, practitioners and enquirers and succeeds in illustrating this wonderful religion, whilst forging a link between them and the contemporary world.

I personally, as an ex-student, have found it an extremely useful tool in revision and revitalisation. A strongly supportive guide for my own Rule of Life.

Sister Megan Haisley, Anchorite in the Liverpool Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church. A former student at Liverpool Hope University in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies.